Pouch for fluid

ABSTRACT

A pouch for fluid comprises: a first film ( 1100 ) and a second film ( 1200 ) connected to each other by means of a stronger seal ( 1300 ) and a weaker seal ( 2700 ) so as to form a cavity ( 1500 ) for a fluid, wherein the cavity ( 1500 ) has a perimeter and said perimeter comprises at least a part of the stronger seal ( 1300 ) and at least a part of the weaker seal ( 2700 ), and wherein the weaker seal ( 2700 ) is in proximity of the stronger seal ( 1300 ).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of pouches forcontaining fluids. In particular, the invention relates to an improvedpouch for fluids, which improves the opening of the pouch and/or thepouring of the fluid.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Several patents, patent applications and publications are cited in thisdescription in order to more fully describe the state of the art towhich this invention pertains. The entire disclosure of each of thesepatents, patent applications and publications is incorporated byreference herein.

Pouches for fluid made by sealing two films, or layers, or multilayers,to each other are known in the art. They are generally obtained byoverlapping two sheets or films, for instance made of polymericmaterial, and sealing them to each other with a seal, so as to form acavity which is filled with the fluid. The seal is usually formed by thesimultaneous application of heat and pressure, so as to at leastpartially melt the two sheets together. By breaking the seal it ispossible to pour the fluid when desired.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designatecorresponding structure throughout the views, and referring inparticular to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a front view of a pouch 1000 inaccordance with the state of the art is schematically illustrated. Thepouch 1000 is made by overlapping films 1100 and 1200 on each other andrealizing a seal 1300, by sealing the film 1100 to the film 1200. Theseal 1300 defines a cavity 1500 which can be filled with a fluid 1600.In FIG. 1A, the fluid 1600 is illustrated as not completely filling thecavity 1500. It is however also possible to completely fill the cavity1500 with fluid 1600.

The pouch 1000 further comprises an opening structure 1400, hereillustrated in the form of a precut section of one or both of films1100, 1200. In particular, the opening structure could comprise holes inone or more, or all, of the layers of the films 1100 and/or 1200. Theopening structure 1400 facilitates the tearing of the films 1100 and/or1200 along the opening structure 1400. A user can thereby tear the films1100, 1200 along the opening structure 1400 thereby reaching openingseal 1300, as illustrated in FIG. 1B. At this point, the cavity 1500 isin communication with the external environment and the fluid 1600 can bepoured outside of the pouch 1000.

Such a device has, however, several disadvantages.

Firstly, when opening the pouch 1000, the user generally has to applystrength to cut through seal 1300. To do so, the user grasps the pouchand thereby presses, to a certain extent, on the cavity 1500. It maytherefore happen that fluid 1600 will inadvertently pour out of theopening created by tearing of the seal 1300, as soon as the seal 1300opens, due to the pressure applied by the user. This creates the riskthat the fluid 1600 may stain the hands and/or clothes of the userand/or inadvertently drop out of the intended container.

Moreover, after the tear has moved through seal 1300 it will reach anopening portion 1001. If the pouch 1000 has been previously positionedupside down, or if pressure has been previously applied on the pouch1000, the opening portion 1001 will contain some amount of fluid 1600.In this case, even by being very careful, it is difficult for the userto prevent fluid 1600 from coming in contact with his or her fingers.

Additionally, cutting through seal 1300 can be difficult. As seal 1300is designed to be rather strong, in order to withstand accidentalpressure applied to the cavity 1500, in some cases the user can becomefrustrated by repeatedly trying to cut through the seal 1300. Since theseal 1300 must provide such secure sealing on its own, it is notpossible to reduce the sealing strength of the seal 1300 such that itopening is facilitated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above-mentioned problems are solved by the teaching of theindependent claims.

The present invention generally exploits the advantage of providing twoseals having two different sealing strengths, in a manner which solvesat least some of the above-mentioned problems.

In particular, the stronger seal is arranged around the weaker seal suchthat accidental opening of the pouch is not possible. Moreover, once thestronger seal is open, leakage of the fluid can still be prevented bythe weaker seal, which can be open by the user by applying pressure onthe pouch. In this manner, the user has more control over the pouring ofthe fluid such that accidental pouring, or leakage, can be prevented.

Moreover, this can also provide the advantage that the stronger seal, orparts thereof, can be made smaller or weaker than in the prior art,since the sealing can be provided by the combination of the stronger andthe weaker seal, instead of by the stronger seal alone as in the priorart. By allowing a smaller or weaker stronger seal, the inventionprovides the additional advantage that it may be easier for the user toopen the stronger seal.

The latter advantage, namely the potential reduction in the requiredopening force, in turn, may further reduce the force that the userapplies to open the pouch, thereby further lowering the risk of fluidspilling or leaking.

In general, the advantageous combination of two seals with two differentsealing strength between the cavity and the exterior of the pouch solvesthe above-mentioned problems associated with the prior art.

The advantages and features of novelty that characterize the inventionare pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto andforming a part hereof. For a better understanding of the invention, itsadvantages, and the objects obtained by its use, however, referenceshould be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof, and tothe accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated anddescribed one or more preferred embodiments of the invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 through 11, disclosed herein is a pouch forfluid comprising:

a first film (1100) and a second film (1200) connected to each other bymeans of a stronger seal (1300, 5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300) andof a weaker seal (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700)so as to form a cavity (1500) for the fluid, wherein the cavity (1500)has a perimeter which comprises at least part of the stronger seal(1300, 5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300) and at least part of theweaker seal (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700),characterized in that the weaker seal (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703,7700, 9700, 10700, 11700) is in proximity to the stronger seal (1300,5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300).

Preferably, in the pouch of the present invention, the weaker seal(2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700) and the strongerseal (1300, 5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300) are configured such thatthe weaker seal (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700)can only open if at least a first portion of the stronger seal (1300,5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300) is opened or removed.

More preferably, the pouch of the present invention further comprises anopening structure (1400), wherein the opening structure (1400) isconfigured so as to facilitate opening of the first film (1100) and/orof the second film (1200) at least along a first length, wherein thefirst length crosses at least a first portion of the stronger seal(1300, 5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300).

Optionally, the opening structure (1400) comprises weakening points,perforations, and/or holes made in the first film (1100) and/or in thesecond film (1200). Preferably, the opening structure (1400) isconfigured to facilitate cutting of the first film (1100) and/or of thesecond film (1200) so as to leave at least part of the weaker seal(2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700) exposed to theambient.

The weaker seal (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700)of the pouch of the present invention has a length (2701) equal to orless than 50 mm, preferably equal to or less than 30 mm, even morepreferably equal to or less than 10 mm and/or a width (2702) equal to orless than 5 mm, preferably equal to or less than 3 mm, even morepreferably equal to or less than 1 mm.

In the pouch according to the present invention, the first film (1100)and/or the second film (1200) may comprise any suitable material tocontain the filling 1600. Preferably, however, the first film (1100)and/or the second film (1200) comprise a blend of ionomer andpolypropylene.

Preferably, the stronger seal (1300, 5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300)of the pouch of the present invention has a sealing strength above15N/15 mm, more preferably above 40N/15 mm. Also preferably, the weakerseal (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700) of thepouch of the present invention has a sealing strength of 1-8N/15 mm,more preferably 2-3N/15 mm.

Also disclosed herein is a manufacturing method for a pouch for fluid,the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   providing a first film (1100) and a second film (1200),    -   connecting the first film (1100) and the second film (1200) to        each other so as to form a cavity (1500) for the fluid by        realizing a stronger seal (1300, 5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300,        9300) and a weaker seal (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700,        9700, 10700, 11700),        characterized in that he weaker seal (2700, 3700, 4700,        5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700) is made in proximity of the        stronger seal (1300, 5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B schematically illustrate a front view and an enlargedview of a pouch 1000 in accordance with the state of the art;

FIGS. 2A, 2C and 2E schematically illustrate a front view of a pouch2000 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 2B, 2D and2F schematically illustrate an enlarged view of FIGS. 2A, 2C and 2Erespectively;

FIGS. 2G and 2H schematically illustrate a top view of a cross sectionof pouch 2000 of FIGS. 2B and 2F respectively;

FIGS. 3A and 3B schematically illustrate a front view and an enlargedview of a pouch 3000 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 4A, 4C and 4E schematically illustrate a front view of a pouch4000 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 4B, 4D and4F schematically illustrate an enlarged view of FIGS. 4A, 4C and 4Erespectively;

FIGS. 5A to 5C schematically illustrate enlarged views of pouches5001-5003 in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a front view of a pouch 6000 inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a front view of a pouch 7000 inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a front view of a pouch 8000 inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 schematically illustrates a front view of a pouch 9000 inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a front view of a pouch 10000 inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a front view of a pouch 11000 inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following, several embodiments are described with reference tothe drawings. It will be understood, however, that the present inventionis not limited to any specific embodiment but is rather defined by theclaims and the embodiments are provided for a better understandingthereof. Moreover, although each embodiment may be described ascomprising several features, it will be understood that not all of thefeatures described for each embodiment are essential for theimplementation of the specific embodiment, or for the implementation ofthe present invention. Additionally, it will be understood that featuresfrom different embodiments can be combined in order to realizealternative embodiments, within the scope of the claims.

First Embodiment

FIGS. 2A, 2C and 2E schematically illustrate a front view of a pouch2000 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 2B, 2D and2F schematically illustrate an enlarged portion of FIGS. 2A, 2C and 2Erespectively.

As can be seen in FIG. 2A, the pouch 2000 comprises a first film 1100and a second film 1200 connected to each other by two seals 1300 and2700. In particular, the first film 1100 and the second film 1200overlap each other so that, when seals 1300 and 2700 are made, a cavity1500 can be formed between them.

For purposes of the present invention, the first and second polymericfilms employed to make the sidewalls of the pouch, in principle, can beeither a single layer or multilayer polymeric film. The film involved inthe construction of the sidewalls do not necessarily have to be the samestructure (e.g., one layer can be clear and the other can be opaque).Also, in principle, any such film grade polymeric resin or material asgenerally known in the art of packaging can be employed. Preferably, amultilayer polymeric film structure is employed. Typically themultilayer polymeric film will involve at least three categoricallayers, including but not limited to, an outermost structural or abuselayer, an inner barrier layer, and an innermost layer and optionally oneor more adhesive or tie layers there between. Also, the innermost layermaking contact with and compatible with the intended contents of thepouch is preferably capable of forming both the lock up perimeter seals(i.e., the stronger seal of the invention with seal strengths typicallygreater than 20 N/15 mm) and the weaker seal(s). Most preferably theinnermost layer is also heat-sealable.

The outermost structural or abuse layer is typically oriented polyesteror oriented polypropylene, but can also include oriented nylon or paper.This layer preferably is reverse printable and advantageously unaffectedby the sealing temperatures used to make the pouch, since the pouch issealed through the entire thickness of the multilayer structure. Thethickness of this layer is typically selected to control the stiffnessof the pouch, and may range from about 10 to about 60 [mu]m, preferablyabout 50 [mu]m.

The inner layer can include one or more barrier layers, depending onwhich atmospheric conditions (oxygen, humidity, light, and the like) canpotentially affect the product inside the pouch. Barrier layers can bemetallized oriented polypropylene (PP) or oriented polyethyleneterephthalate (PET), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), aluminum foil, nylonor biaxial oriented nylon, blends or composites of the same as well asrelated copolymers thereof. Barrier layer thickness will depend on thesensitivity of the product and the desired shelf life.

The innermost layer of the package is the sealant. The sealant isselected to have minimum effect on taste or color of the contents, to beunaffected by the product, and to withstand sealing conditions (such asliquid droplets, grease, dust, or the like). The sealant is typically aresin, which can be bonded to itself (sealed) at temperaturessubstantially below the melting temperature of the outermost layer sothat the outermost layer's appearance will not be affected by thesealing process and will not stick to the jaws of the sealing bar.Typical sealants used in multilayer pouches include ethylene copolymers,such as low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene(LLDPE), metallocene polyethylene (mPE), copolymers of ethylene withvinyl acetate or methyl acrylate, or copolymers of ethylene and acrylicacid (EAA) or methacrylic acid (EMAA), optionally ionomerized (i.e.,partially neutralized to form carboxylate salts with metal ions such asNa, Zn, Mg, or Li cations). Typical sealants can also includepolypropylene copolymers. Sealant layers are typically 10 to 100 μmthick. For the current invention, the sealant must be able to form aside compartment which will rupture and burst by squeezing, i.e. theweaker seal.

Preferably, the weaker seal is formed by heat-sealing two superimposedmultilayer polymeric film each having the innermost sealant layer madefrom a resin, which undergoes interfacial peel sealing having differentseal strengths when the heat seals are formed at different temperatures.Such resins include blends of one or more polyolefins such as:polyethylene including metallocene polyethylene with polybutylene orpolypropylene including homopolymer or copolymers thereof (collectively:PE/PB blends; PE/PP blends); polypropylene with polybutylene (PP/PBblends); polypropylene with ethylene methacrylic acid copolymer (PP/EMAAblends); or polypropylene with styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene blockterpolymer (PP/SEBS blends). Alternatively the weaker seal can beproduced by zone coating the innermost layer in the region of the sealwith a sealant. Alternatively the weaker seal can be formed by heatsealing two dissimilar sealing surfaces such as an ionomer and ethylenecopolymer. Particularly preferred are blends of an ionomer based onpartial neutralization of an ethylene acrylic acid copolymer or ethylenemethacrylic acid copolymer with a polypropylene [alpha]-olefin copolymer(EAA or EMAA ionomer blended with a PP/PB copolymer) as the innermostsealant layer, because the other blends are less reliable and the zonecoating is more expensive. Such ionomer with polypropylene copolymerblends exhibiting predictable peel strength over an extended heat sealtemperature range are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,550,141, 4,539,263,4,469,754 and European Patent EP 1 751 231.

In order to manufacture a weaker seal containing at least one forceconcentrating means for selectively exceeding the seal strength of theweaker seal, various alternative methodologies are contemplated.Preferably shape and/or curvature of the weaker seal is to be employedto advantageously concentrate the forces created when the pouch ismanually compressed or squeezed. However, when zone coating of the heatseal resin is employed, the intentional reduction of the width of thezone coating or the like along the weaker seal can also beadvantageously employed as a means to concentrate force for the purposeof exceeding seal strength selectively (with or without curvature).Also, the geometry and/or variable width of the (heated) heat seal baremployed to heat seal the weaker seal can be employed to produce a forceconcentrating means useful in the present invention. In principle and infact, time-temperature sealing methods can also be employed to make aweaker seal containing a force concentrating means for selectivelyexceeding the seal strength of the weaker seal. For example but not byway of limitation, repetitive and/or multiple strikes of different heatseal bars can produce a weaker seal with variable seal strength thatthen serves as an equivalent structure to the claimed forceconcentrating means for selectively exceeding seal strength of saidweaker seal.

For purposes of measuring the above mentioned seal strength, 100 mm by15 mm samples of the polymeric film are to be cut with the long side ofthe samples in the machine direction of the film. Enough film samplesare cut to provide one set of three specimens for each heat sealcondition. The films then are folded so that the sealant layer of eachside contacts the other. The film is then heat sealed between the jawsof the heat sealer at the appropriate temperature, time and pressure.The heat-sealed samples are then conditioned for at least 24 hours at23° C. and 50% relative humidity before testing. The folded over portionof the sealed film is cut in half, forming suitable flaps to be placedin the Instron jaw clamps. Fifteen mm wide specimens are then cut in themachine direction of the film to provide at least three 15 mm wide testspecimens at each set of sealing conditions.

The seal strength is measured by pulling the seals apart at an angle of180° in the machine direction of the film using the Instron tensiletesting machine at 100 mm/minute jaw separation speed. In otherinstances, a pull rate of 300 mm//minute on the Instron may also beemployed. The maximum force required to cause the seal to fail is thenrecorded, and the average of at least three specimens is reported inN/15 mm. Seal strength is measured at room temperature.

Other particularly preferred blends of polymers for use as the weakerseal forming innermost layer include a combination of an ethylene vinylacetate (EVA) copolymer or acid modified EVA copolymer and an ethylenemethyl acrylate (EMA) copolymer or acid-modified EMA as the majorcomponent and a polypropylene homopolymer or copolymer, a polybutylenehomopolymer or copolymer, a partially neutralized ethylene acid ionomeror mixture of the ionomer with metallocene polyethylene as the minorcomponent. Such polymeric systems and blends are available commerciallyas sealants from E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Company under the trademarksAppeel®, Bynel®, Elvax®, Nucrel® and Surlyn®. Again, various additivesare frequently employed including, by way of example but not limitedthereto, slip, antiblock, and/or chill roll release agents and the like.Using these acid-modified EVA and EMA based blends in combination withvarious other polymeric film layers, the heat seal strength canselectively range from 5 N/15 mm up to 50 N/15 mm with a lock-up heatseal strength in excess of 15-20N/15 mm.

During the manufacture of the polymeric film sheet to be used in makingthe pouch, co-extrudable adhesives are optionally used betweenfunctional layers to adhere the layers to each other and to providestructural integrity. These include but are not limited to, polymers andcopolymers of ethylene or propylene modified with or grafted withunsaturated carboxylic acid groups such a maleic anhydride or maleicacid and the like. Also, to provide additional thickness (if desired bythe consumer for a particular application), bulk layers of polyolefin orchopped remnants of the multilayer film trimmed during pouch fabricationcan be incorporated within the multilayer structure. It is contemplatedthat the sheet of polymeric film (i.e., the so-called “web stock”) maybe produced using any combinations of the processes generally known inthe art, such as monolayer or multilayer casting, blowing film,extrusion lamination, and adhesive lamination and combinations thereof.Processing aids as generally known in the art, including by way ofexample but not limited thereto, slip agents (such as amide waxes),antiblocking agents (such as silica), and antioxidants (such as hinderedphenols), may be incorporated in the web stock if required to facilitateeither manufacture of the film or pouch formation. Pouches are formedfrom web stock by either cutting and heat sealing separate pieces of webstock or by a combination of folding and heat sealing with cutting.Pouch making equipment such as that made by Totani Corporation, Kyoto,Japan or Klockner Barlelt Co., Gordonsville, Va., can be advantageouslyused in practicing this invention. The frangible compartment can beinstalled either during or after pouch formation. It should be furtherappreciated that the heat sealed perimeter of the pouch according to theinstant invention can be achieved by superimposing the first and secondsheets of polymeric film and then heat sealing each directly to theother or heat sealing them indirectly through the use of an interveningthird polymeric film, again as generally known and practiced in the art.

Preferably, the sealant film is made of a polymer system that can showseal strength above 15N/15 mm at seal temperatures above 150° C. andseal strength values of 3-10N/15 mm in the seal temperature range of100-140° C.

Reverting back to FIGS. 2A-2F, the first and second films 1100, 1200 areconnected to each other by means of a stronger seal 1300 and of a weakerseal 2700 so as to form cavity 1500 for the fluid 1600. The strongerseal 1300 differs from the weaker seal 2700 at least in its sealingstrength. In particular, the stronger seal 1300 has a first sealingstrength and the weaker seal 2700 has a second sealing strength, lowerthan the first sealing strength. Even more specifically, the strongerseal 1300 is such that the films 1100, 1200 cannot be separated once theseal is formed. Less preferably, the films 1100, 1200 can be separatedonce the seal is formed by an internal rupture, for example adelamination between an outer layer and a barrier layer of that isinternal to one or both of films 1100, 1200. On the other hand, theweaker seal 2700 can be delaminated by applying pressure. That is, thetwo films 1100, 1200 can be separated from each other in the region ofthe weaker seal 2700 by applying pressure to the cavity 1500 and/or bypulling the two films 1100, 1200 away from each other.

Typically, the weaker seal 2700 has a sealing strength of 1 to 8 N/15mm, preferably 2 to 3 N/15 mm, and the stronger seal 1300 has a sealingstrength above 15N/15 mm, and preferably below 40N/15 mm.

In an exemplary embodiment, the weaker seal 2700 has a length 2701 equalto or less than 50 mm, preferably equal to or less than 30 mm, even morepreferably equal to or less than 10 mm. In this embodiment, the weakerseal 2700 also has a width 2702 equal to or less than 5 mm, preferablyequal to or less than 3 mm, even more preferably equal to or less than 1mm. The stronger seal 1300 preferably has a width of approximately 5 mmand a variable length.

Typically the weaker seal 2700 can be made by applying a heat ofapproximately 100-130° C. to the seal for 1 sec at 3 bar. Typically thestronger seal 1300 can be made by applying a temperature of preferablymore than 150° C. and/or preferably less than 200° C. for 1 sec at 3bar, when a variable-temperature, variable seal-strength sealant isselected.

As can be seen in FIG. 2A and better understood with reference to theenlarged view in FIG. 2B, the cavity 1500 has a perimeter which isdefined by, or comprises, at least part of the stronger seal 1300 and atleast part of the weaker seal 2700. In this specific embodiment, theperimeter of the cavity 1500 is defined by the entire length of theweaker seal 2700, namely between points A and B, and by part of thestronger seal 1300, namely by the part comprised between points A and B,where points A and B are the contact points between the two seals. Hereand in the following, when reference is made to a distance along aperimeter between a first and second point, the distance is measuredstarting at the first point and moving clockwise along the perimeter tothe second point.

Moreover, as can be better seen in FIG. 2B, the weaker seal 2700 is inproximity of the stronger seal 1300. Even more specifically, in thisspecific embodiment, the weaker seal 2700 is in contact with thestronger seal 1300 on three of its sides. Even more specifically, theweaker seal 2700 is in contact with the stronger seal 1300 on all of itssides not facing the cavity 1500. Said otherwise, the portion of theperimeter of the weaker seal 2700 between points A and B defines theperimeter of the cavity 1500 and is not in contact with the strongerseal 1300, while the portion of the perimeter of the weaker seal 2700between points B and A does not face the cavity 1500 and is in contactwith the stronger seal 1300. In this manner, the opening of the pouchthrough opening structure 1400 goes through both the stronger seal 1300and the weaker seal 2700.

It will be nevertheless understood that the present invention is notlimited to this embodiment, and that alternative configurations of thestronger and weaker seal can be implemented as will be described in thefollowing. More generally, any configuration of the stronger seal 1300and weaker seal 2700 which allows the cavity 1500 to be defined andwhich prevents fluid 1600 from escaping from the cavity 1500 as long asboth the stronger seal 1300 and weaker seal 2700 are open can beimplemented. For example, embodiments are described in which some partsor the entire perimeter of weaker seal 2700 between points B and A isnot in contact with the stronger seal 1300.

As can be seen in FIGS. 2C and 2D, when the pouch 2000 is opened bytearing the first film 1100 and the second film 1200 along the openingstructure 1400, the content of the cavity 1500 is advantageously notimmediately exposed to the exterior of the pouch 2000 owing to thepresence of the weaker seal 2700. To the contrary, at least a portion ofthe weaker seal 2700, as visible in FIG. 2D, prevents the fluid 1600from escaping from the cavity 1500. In this manner, fluid 1600 can beprevented from leaking on the fingers of the user and/or frominadvertently being poured outside of the pouch 2000 during the openingof the pouch 2000 or, more generally, from reaching the outside of thepouch 2000 at a time when the user does not wish the fluid to escape thecavity 1500.

As visible in FIGS. 2E and 2F, once the user applies a moderate pressureon the cavity 1500 the weaker seal 2700 opens, under the effect of thepressure applied by the fluid 1600, and allows the fluid 1600 to escapethe cavity 1500. Alternatively, this can be achieved by pulling thefilms 1100, 1200 apart from each other. In this manner, the user canadvantageously control the moment at which the fluid 1600 will be pouredoutside of the pouch 2000 and thereby avoid accidental pouring of thefluid 1600.

It will be understood that, in the figures, the part of weaker seal 2700illustrated as not being present represents a part of the weaker seal2700 which has been delaminated and opened. The illustration is notmeant to indicate that any material is removed from the films 1100, 1200or from the weaker seal 2700. This configuration is further clarified inFIGS. 2G and 2F, which represent a top view of a cross section of thepouch 2000 of FIGS. 2B and 2F respectively. In particular, the crosssection is taken substantially at the Y position of the openingstructure 1400. As can be seen in FIG. 2G, the seals 1300 and 2700 areboth closed and thereby keep films 1100, 1200 sealed together. On thecontrary, as visible in FIG. 2F, the weaker seal 2700 is still presentbut is delaminated, thereby allowing fluid 1600 to pass through. Thisdelaminated portion is illustrated in FIGS. 2E and 2F by removing thecorresponding portion of weaker seal 2700.

Referring now to FIG. 2B, in some embodiments, at least the portion 1301of the stronger seal 1300 can be made smaller and/or weaker than in theprior art. In particular, due to the presence of the weaker seal 2700,at least the end of the portion 1301 through which the opening structure1400 directs the tear can be made smaller and/or weaker. Since portion1301 is cooperating with the weaker seal 2700 in preventing the fluid1600 from escaping the cavity 1500, it may not be necessary to realize aseal 1300 as strong as in the prior art. This provides the furtheradditional advantage that the opening of portion 1301 is facilitatedwhen compared to the prior art. Therefore, the user has to exert lessstrength when opening the pouch 2000 and the general opening process isrendered simpler and more accessible to a larger audience of users, suchas children or elderly people.

Second Embodiment (General Concept: The Weaker Seal and the StrongerSeal do not Need to be in Contact Each Other on the Entire Perimeter ofthe Weaker Seal from Point a to B for the Invention to Work)

FIGS. 3A and 3B schematically illustrate a front view of a pouch 3000 inaccordance with a further embodiment of the invention which furtherclarifies how the two seals can be, in some embodiments, considered tobe in proximity to each other without the entire perimeter from B to Aof the weaker seal 2700 being in contact with the stronger seal 1300, asis the case in the previous embodiment. In particular, pouch 3000differs from pouch 2000 due to the weaker seal 3700 not being in contactwith stronger seal 1300 at least in the part of its perimeter comprisedbetween points C and D.

Also in this case, the perimeter of the cavity 1500 is defined by a partof the stronger seal 1300 and by the weaker seal 3700, as in pouch 2000.Namely, the cavity is defined by the perimeter of the weaker seal 3700between A and B, together with the perimeter of the stronger seal 1300between A and B. Also in the present embodiment, the weaker seal 3700can be considered to be in proximity of the stronger seal 1300. Moregenerally, the two seals 1300, 3700 can be considered to be in proximityas long as the weaker seal 3700 is not too far away from the strongerseal 1300, as it would be the case, for instance, if the weaker sealwere placed in the middle of the cavity.

Even more specifically, the weaker seal 3700 has a perimeter P. Somepoints of the perimeter P face the cavity 1500 and thereby define theperimeter of the cavity. In the illustrated examples, those points arecomprised between A and B. Additionally, some points of the perimeter Pare in contact with the stronger seal 1300, such as points between D andA and between B and C. Each of the remaining points, namely those pointsof the perimeter P not facing the cavity 1500 and not in contact withthe stronger seal 1300, is within a predetermined distance from thestronger seal 1300. In the illustrated embodiment those points are theones comprised between C and D. For instance, point P1 of those latterpoints is illustrated as an example. A circumference centered in P1 andhaving a predetermined distance or radius D1 is illustrated so as todefine an equidistance region centered in point P1. As can be seen, atleast one part of the stronger seal 1300 is within the circumference.That is, the point P1 is within the predetermined distance D1 from thestronger seal 1300. When this condition is satisfied for all points ofthe perimeter P not facing the cavity 1500, such as points between B andA, the two seals 1300 and 3700 can be considered to be in proximitywithin the meaning of the invention. In some embodiments, thepredetermined distance D1 is less than 5 cm, preferably less than 2 cm,even more preferably less than 1 cm. In this approach, the two seals canbe in proximity to each other, without requiring the seal 1300 to be incontact with all points of the seal 3700 not facing the cavity 1500.

This configuration can advantageously simplify the manufacturing of theweaker seal 3700. In particular, since the weaker seal 3700 is not incontact with the stronger seal 1300 on its longest side, the risk of theheat and pressure used for realizing the stronger seal 1300 to interferewith the weaker seal 3700 is reduced. That is, when the two seals are incontact with each other, the heat and pressure applied for realizingstronger seal 1300 can also have an effect on the neighboring region ofweaker seal 3700. This can be less critical in the parts of weaker sealbetween points B and C and between points D and A, as those parts do notnecessarily need to open for the fluid to get out of the pouch 300. Onthe other hand, the portion between points C and D could be problematicif the manufacturing of the stronger seal 1300 also resulted in astronger than expected weaker seal 3700 in this region. By leaving asmall distance between those two seals, this problem is advantageouslysolved and the manufacturing of the pouch 3000 is simplified.

Third Embodiment (General Concept: The Weaker Seal and the Stronger SealMay not be in Contact at all but Separated by a Very Small—but StillMeasurable—Distance, Either Wanted or Due to Manufacturing Tolerances)

FIGS. 4A and 4B schematically illustrate a front view and an enlargedview of a pouch 4000 in accordance with an embodiment of the inventionwhich further clarifies how the two seals 1300, 4700 can be consideredto be in proximity to each other even though a small space is presentbetween them.

Pouch 4000 differs from pouch 2000 in that weaker seal 4700 is not incontact with stronger seal 1300. Instead, a distance up to D2,exaggerated in the drawings for ease of representation, is presentbetween the two seals 1300, 4700. Distance D2 may be due, for instance,to manufacturing tolerances and can be up to 3 mm, preferably up to 1mm, even more preferably up to 0.5 mm. It will be understood that thedistance between the two seals 1300, 4700 can vary from 0 up to D2 sothat, at least at some points, the two seals 1300, 4700 may actually bein contact with each other.

In this and other embodiments, even if the two seals are separated bydistance D2, they can be considered to be in proximity with each other,as long as the weaker seal 4700 and the stronger seal 1300 areconfigured such that the weaker seal 4700 can only open if at least afirst portion of the stronger seal 1300 is opened or removed. In thespecific embodiment illustrated, this is achieved by providing thestronger seal 1300 on all sides of the weaker seal 4700 not facing thecavity 1500 and will be better understood with reference to FIGS. 4Cthrough 4F.

It will be noted that the portions of the films 1100 and 1200 withindistance D2 can be considered as sealed, for practical purposes. Inparticular, stronger seal 1300 prevents the films 1100, 1200 fromseparating from each other in the region of seal 1300, independently onthe applied pressure. This effect also contributes to keeping the twofilms 1100, 1200 close to each other in the region of distance D2, dueto the immediate proximity to stronger seal 1300 as well as theimmediate proximity to weaker seal 4700. Thereby it can be consideredthat the perimeter of the cavity is still defined by a part of strongerseal 1300 and by weaker seal 4700, as those two seals also effectivelyseal the films 1100 and 1200 in the region of distance D2, due to theirimmediate proximity thereto.

As can be seen in FIGS. 4C and 4D, when pressure is applied on the pouch4000, either intentionally or accidentally, the weaker seal 4700 maystart opening. In particular, the opening starts approximately in thecenter of the weaker seal 4700, since this is the position furthest awayfrom stronger seal 1300. More specifically, in the regions of weakerseal 4700 closer to stronger seal 1300, the films 1100 and 1200 are moredifficult to separate, compared to regions closer to the center ofweaker seal 4700, as the effect of stronger seal 1300 against theseparation of films 1100 and 1200 is reduced when the distance from thestronger seal 1300 is increased.

Due to the presence of the stronger seal 1300 on all sides of the weakerseal 4700, other than the side facing the cavity 1500, it is possible toprevent the weaker seal 4700 from completely opening, even when pressureis applied to the cavity 1500. Moreover, even in the presence ofdistance D2 between the two seals 1300, 4700, the films 1100 and 1200are prevented from separating due to the combined action of the strongerand weaker seals 1300, 4700.

As can be seen in FIGS. 4E and 4F, only when the stronger seal 1300 isopen, or removed, can the weaker seal 4700 be opened completely. Namely,in the illustrated embodiment, by removing at least some of the top partof stronger seal 1300, the weaker seal 4700 is not anymore preventedfrom opening and the pressure exerted by the fluid 1600 can open theweaker seal 4700.

It will be understood that the shape of the stronger seal 1300 and ofthe weaker seal 4700 illustrated in FIGS. 4A through 4F are not the onlyones that achieve the above-described effect. Any shape of the two seals1300, 4700 which prevents the weaker seal 4700 from opening as long asthe stronger seal 1300 is intact can be implemented. For instance, FIGS.5A through 5C illustrate several alternative embodiments for possibleshapes of the stronger seal 5301, 5302 and 5303 and the weaker seal5701, 5702 and 5703 of pouches 5001, 5002, 5003. In all cases, theweaker seal 5701, 5702 and 5703 is in proximity of the stronger seal5301, 5302 and 5303, such that the weaker seal 5701, 5702 and 5703 canonly open if at least a first portion of the stronger seal 5301, 5302and 5303 is opened or removed. It will however be understood that thoseseal shapes can generally be used in any embodiment of the invention,for instance in combination with the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2Aand 3A.

In some embodiments of the invention, the opening structure 1400 isconfigured so as to facilitate cutting of the first film 1100 and/or ofthe second film 1200 along a first length crossing at least the strongerseal 1300. The first length can be determined, for instance, byprolonging the length of the opening structure. For instance, withreference to FIG. 2B, the opening structure 1400 will direct the tearthrough the portion 1301 of seal 1300, resulting in the tear illustratedin FIG. 2D.

In some embodiments, the first length can also cross at least part ofthe weaker seal, such as illustrated in FIG. 2D with respect to weakerseal 2700. One advantage of this approach, as described above, is thatthe portion 1301 of stronger seal 1300 can be made smaller, since it iscooperating with the neighboring weaker seal 2700 in keeping the films1100 and 1200 together. However, the present invention is not limitedthereto and, for instance with reference to FIG. 3B, the prolongation ofthe direction of opening structure 1400 can pass outside of the weakerseal 3700, for instance above it. In this case, the tear will alsolikely go through the films 1100 and 1200 above weaker seal 3700,thereby avoiding cutting through weaker seal 3700. One advantage of thisapproach is that it avoids the effort required for tearing the weakerseal 3700.

In some embodiments, the opening structure 1400 comprises weakeningpoints, perforations and/or holes, made in the first film 1100 and/or inthe second film 1200. In some embodiments, the holes can be made throughthe entire films 1100 and/or 1200. This is particularly the case for thestronger seal 1300, as this facilitates the cutting thereof. For whatconcerns the weaker seal, the holes can be either made through theentire films 1100 and/or 1200, or only through some of their thicknessor some of their layer(s). In the latter case, the holes can be made atleast through the oriented outer layers.

In some embodiments, the opening structure 1400 is configured tofacilitate cutting of the first film 1100 and/or of the second film 1200so as to leave at least part of the weaker seal exposed to the ambient.For instance, with reference to FIG. 2D it can be seen how the seal 2700remains at least partially exposed to the exterior, or the environment,once the opening structure 1400 has been operated. In this manner, oncethe weaker seal 2700 is subsequently opened be applying pressure on thecavity 1500, it can be possible to precisely control the pouring of thefluid 1600 from the cavity 1500, since the weaker seal 2700 is in directcontact with the environment and its position is readily visible for theuser.

Although in the embodiments described above, the pouch 2000 3000 4000 isgenerally illustrated as a rectangle, it will be understood that theinvention is not limited thereto and the pouch can have non-rectangularshapes, such as for example the shape illustrated in FIG. 6 by pouch6000.

Moreover, although in the embodiments above the stronger seal 1300 isgenerally illustrated as completely surrounding the cavity and theweaker seal, the present invention is not limited thereto. In comeembodiments, as illustrated for instance in FIG. 6 by pouch 7000, theopening structure 7140 may be made in form of a cap. In this embodiment,the opening structure 7140 can be seen as part of the stronger seal 7300in that the cooperation of the structure 7140 with the stronger seal7300 and the weaker seal 7700 ensures that no fluid can escape fromcavity 1500. Once the opening structure, or cap, 7140, is open, theweaker seal 7700 can operate as in the previously described embodiments.The advantage of this approach is that it combines the previouslydescribed advantage of being able to precisely control the moment atwhich fluid is poured from the pouch 7000, together with the ability ofclosing the pouch 7000 for a later use, if needed.

Additionally, although in the embodiments described above the weakerseal has been illustrated as being placed roughly in the middle of thepouch and having a lateral X dimension smaller than the lateral Xdimension of the pouch, the present invention is not limited thereto.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the weaker seal 2700 could alsobe placed closer to one of the sides of the pouch 8000 than to themiddle thereof. In another example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the weakerseal 9700 may have a lateral size comparable to that of the pouch 9000.Although this results in more difficulty in determining the preciselocation at which the fluid will pour out of the pouch, it facilitatesthe opening of the pouch 9000. There may be cases, for instance when thefluid 1600 is a detergent for a washing machine, where it is desiredthat the fluid 1600 exits the pouch with a small pressure, such as thatapplied by the clothes during the operation of the washing machine, andthe specific opening point of the weaker seal 9700 is not relevant.

Alternatively, or in addition, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the weakerseal 10700 could comprise at least one wider portion 10702 and at leastone narrower portion 10701 such that, when delaminating the weaker seal10700, the opening will start from the narrower portion 10701.

It will be further understood that a similar effect can be obtained byproviding a weaker sealing strength in a portion 10701 of the weakerseal 10700 and a stronger sealing strength in another portion 10702 ofthe weaker seal 10700. In this case, the portion 10701 with the weakersealing strength would also open before the portion 10702 with thestronger sealing strength, thereby facilitating the pouring of thefluid.

While certain of the preferred embodiments of the present invention havebeen described or specifically exemplified above, it is not intendedthat the invention be limited to such embodiments. Rather, it is to beunderstood that even though numerous characteristics and advantages ofthe present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description,together with details of the structure and function of the invention,the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail,especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts, withinthe principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by thebroad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims areexpressed.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

1000: pouch 5702: weaker seal 1001: opening portion 5003: pouch 1100:film 5303: stronger seal 1200: film 5703: weaker seal 1300: strongerseal 6000: pouch 1301: portion of seal 6300: stronger seal 1400: openingstructure 7000 pouch 1500: cavity 7130: stronger seal 1600: fluid 7140:opening structure 2000: pouch 7700: weaker seal 2700: weaker seal 8000:pouch 2701: length 8300: stronger seal 2702: width 9000: pouch 3000:pouch 9300: stronger seal 3700: weaker seal 9700: weaker seal 4000:pouch 10000: pouch 4700: weaker seal 10700: weaker seal 5001: pouch10701: narrower portion 5301: stronger seal 10702: wider portion 5701:weaker seal 11700: weaker seal 5002: pouch 11701: weaker portion 5302:stronger seal 11702: stronger portion

1.-11. (canceled)
 12. A pouch for fluid comprising: a first film and asecond film connected to each other by means of a stronger seal and aweaker seal so as to form a cavity for a fluid, wherein the cavity has aperimeter and said perimeter comprises at least a part of the strongerseal and at least a part of the weaker seal, characterized in that theweaker seal is in proximity of the stronger seal.
 13. The pouchaccording to claim 12, wherein the weaker seal and the stronger seal areconfigured such that the weaker seal opens only if at least a firstportion of the stronger seal is opened or removed.
 14. The pouchaccording claim 13, further comprising an opening structure, wherein theopening structure is configured so as to facilitate opening of the firstfilm and/or of the second film at least along a first length, whereinthe first length crosses at least the first portion of the strongerseal.
 15. The pouch according to claim 14, wherein the first lengthfurther crosses at least a part of the weaker seal.
 16. The pouchaccording to claim 15, wherein the first length crosses only parts ofthe first film and/or of the second film in which the stronger seal orthe weaker seal are present.
 17. The pouch according to claim 14,wherein the opening structure comprises weakening points and/or holesmade in the first film and/or in the second film.
 18. The pouchaccording to claim 14, wherein the opening structure is configured tofacilitate cutting of the first film and/or of the second film so as toleave at least part of the weaker seal exposed to the ambient.
 19. Thepouch according to claim 12, wherein the weaker seal has a length equalto or less than 50 mm and/or a width equal to or less than 5 mm.
 20. Thepouch according to claim 12, wherein the first film and/or the secondfilm comprise a blend of ionomer and polypropylene.
 21. The pouchaccording to claim 12, wherein the stronger seal has a sealing strengthabove 15N/15 mm, and/or wherein the weaker seal has a sealing strengthof 1-8N/15 mm.
 22. A manufacturing method for a pouch for fluid, themethod comprising the steps of: providing a first film and a secondfilm, connecting the first film and the second film to each other so asto form a for the fluid by realizing a stronger seal and a weaker seal,characterized in that the weaker seal is made in proximity of thestronger seal.